LESS than half of Dudley borough residents in at risk groups are vaccinated against flu before winter sets in, according to latest figures.

The surprising statistic was revealed at a Westminster event sponsored by Cradley MP Margot James to encourage more people to get protected.

Last year, 69.6 per cent of people over 65 years and 49.5 per cent in at risk groups were vaccinated against flu in the Dudley PCT area.

Groups at risk include over 65s, health workers, infants, pregnant women and carers who are all urged to contact their GP for information on free flu vaccines.

This year is the first when pregnant women are being offered the free vaccination after the impact of the H1N1 swine flu variation of the disease last winter.

Ms James said: “National immunisation programmes have saved more lives in the last 50 years than any other health policy, however flu immunisation levels remain low among some groups.

“It is impossible to predict the nature or severity of winter flu viruses so it is crucial that all vulnerable groups get vaccinated as quickly as possible.”